The Antipodean albatross is a large seabird in the albatross family. Antipodean albatrosses are smaller than snowy albatrosses, and breed in predominantly brown plumage, but are otherwise difficult to distinguish from young snowy albatrosses.
Region
South Pacific Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily on the Antipodes Islands, with small numbers on nearby subantarctic islands. At sea it ranges widely across the South Pacific, from the Tasman Sea eastward into subtropical and temperate oceanic waters, sometimes reaching waters off eastern Australia and into the central Pacific. It forages over deep pelagic zones and along productive frontal systems. Nesting occurs on open tussock-covered ridges and plateaus with good wind exposure. Outside the breeding season, birds disperse broadly over oceanic waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Antipodean albatross is a great albatross that breeds mainly on New Zealand’s Antipodes Islands and ranges widely across the South Pacific. Adults show more white with age, while females and younger birds are browner, making them tricky to tell from wandering (snowy) albatrosses at sea. They are masterful dynamic soarers, traveling thousands of kilometers with minimal wingbeats. Major threats include longline fisheries bycatch and changing wind patterns linked to climate change.
Temperament
solitary at sea, social at breeding colonies
Flight Pattern
soaring glider using dynamic soaring and slope lift
Social Behavior
Monogamous pairs perform elaborate bill-clapping and sky-pointing displays and usually lay a single egg per breeding attempt. Both parents share incubation and chick rearing, with long foraging shifts at sea. Successful breeders typically skip the following year (biennial breeding). Colonies are loosely spaced on open slopes with good wind exposure.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly quiet at sea; at colonies they produce low moans, grunts, and wails accompanied by bill clapping. Calls are used in courtship and territorial interactions rather than long-distance song.
Plumage
Large albatross with brown to chocolate-brown upperparts and variable mottling below; older males become progressively whiter on the back and underparts. Underwings are mostly white with narrow dark margins and mottling. Feathers are dense and waterproof, suited to prolonged oceanic flight.
Diet
Primarily feeds on squid, supplemented by fish, crustaceans, and carrion. Often takes prey from the surface or just below it, rarely deep diving. Frequently scavenges fishery discards and is vulnerable to taking baited hooks on longlines. Foraging is often concentrated along oceanic fronts and productive eddies.
Preferred Environment
Pelagic waters over deep ocean, continental slopes, and convergence zones. Common around productive upwellings and frontal systems far from land. May follow fishing vessels for offal.
